§ * MR. MACVEAGHI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state under what circumstances he has advertised for sale unused lots in first-rate condition of surplus boilers, distilling apparatus, dynamos, and other plant at Bermuda, Barbados, St. Helena, and Woolwich.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe War Office has advertised for sale various lots of surplus boilers, distilling apparatus, dynamos, and other plant now lying at the stations mentioned, which were originally bought for Boer camps and which are no longer required by the War Department.
§ * MR. MACVEAGHThe right hon. Gentleman has not stated how it comes about that these things are offered for sale, although housed and in first-rate condition.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERBecause it is no use keeping plant that is not required, and it is considered cheaper to sell it than to bring it back.
§ * MR. MACVEAGHasked why the plant was ordered if not required.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERIt was provided mainly for the Boer prisoners' camps. The number of Boer prisoners was a varying number, and we had to make provision against contingencies.